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India is significantly strengthening its air defense capabilities through the recent acquisition of Russian-origin Igla-S missiles. These portable, shoulder-fired systems are designed to effectively neutralize low-flying aerial threats such as enemy aircraft, drones, and helicopters, providing a crucial layer of protection against evolving airborne threats. The Indian Army has recently taken delivery of a new batch of these Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) as part of a Rs 260 crore contract, highlighting the urgency and importance placed on enhancing air defense capabilities. The procurement was executed under emergency powers, reflecting the immediate need to address potential vulnerabilities and safeguard national security. According to defence sources, the newly acquired Igla-S air defence missiles have been promptly distributed to forward formations along the borders, ensuring that troops on the front lines have the necessary tools to counter aerial threats from enemy fighter aircraft, choppers, and drones. This rapid deployment underscores the strategic importance of these systems in maintaining air superiority and protecting vital assets. The Igla-S missile system is a sophisticated piece of military technology designed for ease of use and effectiveness in challenging environments. As a man-portable, shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, it offers exceptional mobility and versatility, making it ideal for deployment with ground units in high-threat zones. The system relies on infrared (IR) homing to lock onto the heat signatures emitted by aerial targets, allowing it to accurately track and engage even small, fast-moving threats. This IR homing capability makes the Igla-S particularly effective against drones and helicopters, which often operate at low altitudes and can be difficult to detect and intercept with traditional radar-based systems. The Igla-S is capable of engaging targets up to 6 kilometers away and at altitudes of up to 3.5 kilometers, providing a substantial defensive perimeter. This range and altitude capability allows the system to effectively intercept threats before they can reach critical infrastructure or troop concentrations. Furthermore, the advanced variant of the Igla-S incorporates improvements over earlier Igla models, which have been in service since the 1990s. These enhancements include better resistance to countermeasures and improved seeker accuracy, making the system more reliable and effective in modern combat scenarios. The Indian Army has also undertaken refurbishment programs for older stockpiles of Igla missiles through domestic defence firms to extend their operational life, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a robust and capable air defence force.
The timing of the Igla-S acquisition and deployment is particularly significant, given the heightened vigilance along the western border following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The increasing use of drones for reconnaissance and attacks by adversaries, including the Pakistan Army, has underscored the critical need for effective short-range missile systems like the Igla-S to secure Indian airspace. These systems provide a vital layer of defence against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be used to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, or even carry out attacks on military installations and civilian targets. To further bolster its air defences, the Indian Army has reportedly initiated a tender process to procure an additional 48 launchers and approximately 90 missiles of the VSHORADS (IR) type under fast-track procedures. This procurement reflects the ongoing commitment to expanding and modernizing the air defence capabilities of the armed forces. The Indian Air Force has also opted for a similar procurement to upgrade its air defence network, indicating a coordinated effort to enhance air security across all branches of the military. In addition to the Igla-S, the Indian Army has deployed the indigenous Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS), which represents a significant advancement in counter-drone technology. This system is capable of detecting, jamming, spoofing, and even destroying drones from a distance of over 8 kilometers. The IDD&IS systems are also equipped with lasers that can burn and bring down drones, providing a multi-layered approach to drone interdiction. In a recent incident, an Army Air Defence unit successfully downed a Pakistani Army drone using these systems near the 16 Corps zone in Jammu, demonstrating the effectiveness of these technologies in countering drone threats. These integrated systems, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic methods of interception, provide a comprehensive defence against the evolving threat posed by unmanned aerial systems.
Looking ahead, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively developing a longer-range, high-powered directed energy weapon that has the potential to take down larger UAVs, cruise missiles, and even aircraft during conflict scenarios. This development represents a significant step towards future-proofing India's air defences and ensuring its ability to counter a wide range of aerial threats. The Army is also exploring the acquisition of new low-level transportable radars to improve the detection of aerial threats flying under conventional radar coverage. These radars would provide enhanced situational awareness and enable the military to detect and intercept threats that might otherwise go unnoticed. The acquisition of the Igla-S missile system, along with the deployment of indigenous counter-drone technologies and the ongoing development of advanced defence systems, underscores India's commitment to strengthening its air defence capabilities and safeguarding its national security. These investments in air defence technology are crucial in maintaining a credible deterrent and ensuring the protection of vital assets and personnel. The combination of advanced missile systems, counter-drone technologies, and radar capabilities creates a comprehensive and layered air defence network that is capable of addressing a wide range of aerial threats. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve and new threats emerge, India remains committed to investing in and developing the technologies necessary to protect its airspace and ensure its national security. The integration of these advanced systems into the existing air defence infrastructure will undoubtedly enhance India's ability to deter aggression and maintain peace and stability in the region. The focus on indigenous development and international collaborations demonstrates a holistic approach to building a robust and resilient air defence force that can effectively counter evolving threats in the modern era.
Source: What is Igla-S? Indian Army gets new Russian missiles to counter drones, choppers, jets